When a defender is removed from a battlefront during combat using Portal Rescue and replayed at base, does the attacker (Darius with Cleave) keep their combat bonus?

Ruling: The attacker (Darius) keeps the Cleave bonus and survives the Riptide Shark's 6 damage. Combat/showdown continues until both players pass focus in order, not when units are removed.

Sequence:

• Portal Rescue removes Riptide Shark from battlefront and replays it at base
• Riptide Shark's on-play effect deals 6 damage to Darius
• Darius survives because he still has the Cleave bonus (still considered an attacker)
• Showdown then resolves and Darius conquers

Nuances:

• Showdowns never end automatically, even if every unit is gone
• Showdowns only end when both players pass focus in order
• As long as effects are being resolved, the showdown continues